The China Music Instrument Association (CMIA), NAMM, Intex Shanghai and Messe Frankfurt have postponed the China International Music Market (CIMM) show, a collaborative effort from the four organizations that was scheduled for May 17–20, 2007.

Since it was originally announced last August, the show, aimed at the Chinese consumer market, has received widespread support from the musical products industry and attention from the professional media in China and across the world. It had to be postponed pending the clarification of issues regarding the fair license to operate (a mandatory requirement for all fairs in mainland China).

The organizers learned late last September that a number of licenses had been issued to different exhibition organizers for musical products shows in Beijing in May 2007. Pending an investigation into how this situation would affect the market as a whole, the organizers of CIMM decided to slow down preparatory and promotional works for the event. Given the current uncertainly of the situation, the organizers have decided to cancel the show until a resolution is found.

“It is an extremely regrettable decision, but one we feel we must make for the benefit of the MI industry in China and abroad,” said Wang Gentian, president of the China Music Instrument Association. “We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all MI enterprises, organizations and professional media who have showed their support for our Beijing show.”

Despite these setbacks, all four parties are committed to producing a music products fair in Beijing and will continue to work towards that goal. Developments will be announced as they occur.